The case of Ruby Franke, a former YouTube momfluencer sentenced to prison for child abuse, has ignited a crucial shift in Utah’s legal approach to child protection in online content creation. Following the public outcry and scrutiny over the dangers of family vlogging, Utah has introduced new legislation aimed at ensuring children are safeguarded from potential exploitation in the digital age.
The Fallout From Ruby Franke’s Arrest
Ruby Franke, known for her once-popular YouTube channel “8 Passengers,” presented herself as a devoted mother offering parenting advice. However, in August 2023, the reality behind the scenes was exposed when one of her six children, a malnourished and injured 12-year-old boy, escaped their home to seek help from a neighbor. Investigations uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse involving Franke and her business associate, Jodi Hildebrandt. Both pleaded guilty to child abuse charges and were sentenced to up to 30 years in prison in early 2024.
Franke’s case sent shockwaves across social media, exposing the dark side of family vlogging, where children’s lives are frequently broadcasted for profit without safeguards in place. Her ex-husband, Kevin Franke, later addressed lawmakers, acknowledging the regret he felt for allowing his children to be part of this world and urging action to protect others from similar harm.
A Legal Shift: New Protections for Child Influencers
In response, Utah lawmakers took action to regulate the rapidly growing and largely unchecked family vlogging industry. Governor Spencer Cox signed a law in early 2025 that introduces crucial safeguards for children featured in monetized content. The legislation ensures that:
- Children who appear in at least 30% of monetized content are entitled to a portion of the earnings.
- Parents making over $150,000 annually from such content must set aside funds for their children.
- If a child’s involvement generates over $20,000, a percentage will be placed in a trust fund accessible when they turn 18.
- Upon turning 18, the child has the right to request the removal or modification of content featuring them.
These provisions aim to prevent financial and emotional exploitation, ensuring that children benefit from their own participation in content creation rather than being used solely for parental profit.
The Broader Impact on Social Media Regulations
Utah’s move aligns with growing concerns about the impact of social media on children, particularly in family vlogging. The state has already been a focal point for media production, and this new legislation may serve as a model for other states looking to introduce similar protections.
Legal experts and child advocates widely support the law, arguing that it closes a critical loophole in digital labor rights. KSL Legal Analyst Greg Skordas emphasized the importance of securing financial benefits for child influencers, stating, “This law helps ensure that children aren’t just a source of revenue for their parents but receive compensation for their role in generating content.”
Lessons Learned From the Franke Controversy
While the new law is a significant step forward, it comes in the wake of a tragic case that could have been prevented with earlier intervention. The Franke case underscores the need for better oversight and accountability in social media content involving minors. Platforms like YouTube and TikTok, where family vlogging thrives, may also face increased scrutiny regarding their role in protecting young content creators.
The conversation around child exploitation in digital media has also gained traction in popular culture. In February 2025, Hulu released a docuseries, Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, which explores the rise and fall of the YouTuber and the abuse that took place behind the scenes. The series, featuring insights from Kevin Franke and their children, has further fueled discussions about ethical concerns in the influencer industry.
A Step Toward a Safer Future
Utah’s new law represents a critical moment in addressing the exploitation of children in digital media. While it won’t erase the trauma experienced by the Franke children, it sets a precedent for ensuring that future generations of child influencers are protected from similar harm. As the influencer industry continues to evolve, this legislation serves as a reminder that real lives exist behind the content—and those lives deserve legal protection and respect.
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